It's hard to know who is the master architect of what the Jets are as a team. The obvious assumption is that it falls in Paul Maurice's lap. He works with the GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff, to build a system based around the roster that is provided to him. It would appear that Chevy and ownership to some extent bring the strategic direction of the team and it's Maurice and his assistants who devise the tactics to reach the strategic goals.

How Maurice creates his tactics is somewhat curious. In 2014-15, his first full year as head coach of the team he built a good possession team that allowed the club to squeak into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. What happened after seems to be something of a curious decline rather than building upon that effort. Is it a goalie issue, a systems issue or a roster issue? Perhaps it's all three.


Paul Maurice C+

Paul Maurice did not construct this roster but he bears responsibility for it as it pertains to execution. The Jets had a woeful power play for most of the season, the first half had it firing at 16.7% for 18th in the league. However combine that with the 27th ranked PK unit at 76.1% for the same tie frame and special teams were something that hurt the team and coach.

Maurice made a surprising and conroersial decision to start the season when he sent veteran goalkeeper Ondrej Pavelec down to the minors and when with Hutchinson and Hellebuyck to start. It was a gutsy move and one that did no pay off as neither keeper could provide consistent league average results.

What also became a bit of a thorn for many fans and pundits (mainly online ones) was the player usage and combos that Maurice used. He was allowing Dustin Byfuglien far too many minutes while thoroughbred Jacob Trouba was still playing catch up. He split up the most prolific goal scorer since Ovechkin arrived from the top unit PP and seemingly had no answer for that move. While at the same time he had Adam Lowry playing #1C on that unit. The icing on the cake was when desperate times called for desperate measures he justified the recall of Pavelec and his consecutive starts with wins by the team. The numbers for Pavelec were pedestrian at best and the Jets were simply scoring more in those games. At times it appeared Maurice was grasping for straws and to finish the season with a 7 game win streak only helped create more confusion about what the Jets are under his tutelage.

What the GM says: "Pomo, bro. You took the bullet for me this year. I know that you were okay with a younger, less experienced roster. I know you were willing to work with me on this draft and development thing with all those juicy forward prospects I have accrued. And how about me getting you that Laine kid? You're going to get extended okay, no lame ducks in this organization but it's time to go get some wins okay. I know I have some help to give you, let me get through this expansion draft and I bet I can get something from it. Otherwise you know the deal, I'll pick up a few 'Strait's' late in the summer to fill those holes okay?"


Charlie Huddy C-

There's been basically no improvement within the defensive corps under Huddy. In fact players are regressing aside from Trouba. Imagine where this team would have been had he held out the whole year? The fact is Huddy may be riding reputation from Edmonton glory days more than ability and we've had 6 years to gauge his influence. The same mistakes are still being made by the same players and without a major boost to the roster what changes can anyone expect from Huddy and his systems this year? Probably none and less than that.

What the coach says: "Chuck, you're killing me! Buff just turned 32 and he's leading the league in ice time/game? Are you freaking kidding me? Trouba was 11th! The kid is 23 and he can handle it and you do know Chevy is trying to trade him right? Look Chuck, you're a legend, you played in the Heritage Classic and you got rings but right now you're giving me and the fans ulcers, almost as much a Flaherty is. We're all going to walk the plank here if something doesn't change next season so bring your 'A' game this year because I'm not going to take a bullet for you".

Jaime Kompon C

To be honest I'm not sure what Kompon is responsible for with the team but I'm of the belief it's special teams. If you look at his background, rings with both Chicago and LA, you would expect that he would bring more to the table/bench than what we've seen. Special teams are a mess and he's like got some blood on his hands with that.

What the coach says: "Jamie, you have Ehlers, Scheifele, Laine, Wheeler, Buff and Trouba and you roll out Lowry on the top unit? I give up. At least Stuart didn't see much ice time this year so you couldn't put him out for the PK as much as in the past. Bring me a system by July. In fact bring 3 of them that we can try and test so that I'm not left hanging in mid-season listening to all those bloggers cry on the keyboards again".

Todd Woodcroft C

The guy is basically a scout with a video coach background/resume and he's now directing some aspect of the Jets from the bench. I'm not sure whether he deserves blame or sympathy. This is another one of those curious hires that seemingly came out of nowhere. He likely deserves a longer look but there might be not enough time if this team poops the bed come next season.

What the coach says: "Where did you come from again? Oh right, all that international space and sitting up high doing video things. Todd, fix a problem. Just pick one and fix it okay? I need to take something off the to-do list and you know how long that list is. That's you're offseason now go!"


Wade Flaherty: D

Wade is not developing goalies with the Winnipeg Jets. He is literally seeing them regress under his prolonged influence. That's all that needs to be said.

What the coach says: "Are you still here? Holy moly is this organization every loyal- you must have a pension plan as good as an MPs."


Kevin Cheveldayoff C

There's no need to go through an extensive list of things Chevy has or has not done. Great move to extend Perreault, good move on getting Trouba back for a reasonable amount. Laine he lucked into and he actually made a decent move with Matthias too but there's problems. The lingering effect of the Stuart and Thorburn contracts hurt the team and the inability to assess the needs and fill them on defence and between the pipes are a major blow. This is a playoff calibre team with league average goaltending and a better bottom pairing defence.

Chevy is not wrong, he's just not dynamic in approach and the ownership likes it that way. The fans are restless, the media are getting more critical and the pressure is on him. He's built a capable roster and the holes and areas to be fixed are obvious now he has to do it. Can he?

What the owner says: "Chevy! How's the lake? That's a nice dock you put in last fall and the cottage looks good to so you know you're safe with us right? You are, don't worry buddy but we've got some work do to. These renovations at the MTS centre are not going to keep fans interested that long. We've basically done everything we can to keep the fans in the building *nudge nudge* so it's going to fall on you now to get this roster into shape. Can we develop in the pipes? What about drafting some D- can you do that too please? Contract's in the mail though so welcome back and we'll see you at the fishing hole".

Join the Discussion: » 11 Comments » Post New Comment

» Who are the Jets and time for me to let go...

» Jets bet Oilers in scoreless but exciting game.

» Digestion Problems: Jets edition

» Laine shines in 5-2 win over Wild

» Hellebuyck, Laine and Defense shine in 4-1 win over Penguins